Fiji reach Pacific Nations Cup final after defeating Canada 45-29
Tevita Ikanivere was one of the try scorer for Fiji
©Six Nations / Getty
Fiji 45-29 Canada, Osaka
Two-time defending champions Fiji reached the Pacific Nations Cup final with a 45-29 win over Canada in Osaka.
Canada had come into the match after a heavy 57-12 defeat to Japan the previous weekend. Head coach Stephen Meehan made 10 changes to his squad, but Fiji’s sharp start meant Canada were again forced to chase the game.
Fiji made a flying start, scoring three tries inside the opening 23 minutes to take control of the semi-final. Canada fought back and stayed competitive, but the early damage gave Fiji enough breathing space to continue their strong run in the tournament.
Fiji Make Fast Start
Kitione Salawa gave Fiji the perfect opening when he scored inside the first 30 seconds. Frank Lomani and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula then added further first-half tries as Fiji’s attacking pace and support play caused problems for Canada.
Armstrong-Ravula also converted two of the early tries, helping Fiji build scoreboard pressure.
Canada Fight Back Before Break
Despite Fiji’s early burst, Canada found ways to stay in the contest and put points on the board before half-time.
The match remained open, with both sides willing to attack, but Fiji’s first-half control proved important. The defending champions went into the break 26-17 ahead, holding a useful lead after a lively opening 40 minutes.
Fiji Hold Firm In Osaka
Canada continued to challenge after the restart, but Fiji had enough quality and composure to protect their advantage.
The win continued Fiji’s dominance in the Pacific Nations Cup and kept their bid for another title firmly on track. Their early tries had set the tone, and although Canada showed fight, they could not close the gap.
Fiji now move on to next Saturday’s final at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo. Canada will play in the third-place match at the same venue.
Japan and the United States were due to meet in the second semi-final of the Osaka doubleheader, with the winner advancing to face Fiji in the final.
